Spireites defender Michael Nelson says that he’s looking forward to playing in front of the Proact crowd, and knows the effect that the atmosphere can have on a result.

Nelson was an unused substitute for Barnet in the Spireites’ 2-1 win over the Bees back in December, and while he admits to not knowing too much about the club as a whole, one thing he is more than aware of is the noise level generated by the Town fans.

Speaking exclusively to iFollow, Nelson said: “I’ve played with a couple of lads who’ve played here Ritchie Humphreys and Gary Liddle, and when I have played here there’s a real passionate crowd.

“When we came here with Barnet there was a good number of supporters here and that played a key role in getting the victory over us at that time.”

The former Norwich City and Scunthorpe defender became Martin Allen’s third signing of his tenure, when he joined the club on Tuesday, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Shwan Jalal and midfielder Sam Wedgbury.

Nelson’s would later be joined by Curtis Weston, who much like the experienced defender knows full well the assets that Allen, assistant manager Adrian Whitbread and goalkeeper coach/head of recruitment Carl Muggleton will bring to the Proact.

He said: “He’s (Allen) very hard working and he likes his players to be like that, I’ve known him since I was 17 at Portsmouth and he’s got a really good work ethic and a will to win, which he’ll instil in all of his players.

“Adrian and Carl have worked with him for a number of years and have had success under him. They were a massive influence in what he did at Barnet with the positive results and I know that Carl has got a bit of an affinity with the club as well, and hopefully that’ll rub off.

“With the three of them and the way they work they’ll get this place buzzing again.”

So what will the Scottish League Cup winner bring to the Proact?

“A lot of experience,” he said. “I’ve played over 700 games now and I like to think I’m a leader, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room as well.

“I know the manager and he knows me and hopefully I can get some of his ideas into the dressing room and into the players.”

And with the new season fast approaching, Nelson couldn’t hide his delight at securing his move to the Proact, so early in the season.

He added: “It’s good to get it done so early in the summer and start preparations to make sure I’m fit and ready to go come the start of the season.”